What is enrichment in food processing?

Enrichment in food processing specifically refers to the process of adding back nutrients that were removed during processing. This is particularly important in the case of grains and cereals, where the milling process often strips away vital nutrients such as vitamins and minerals. For example, when whole grains are processed into white flour, dietary fiber, iron, and B vitamins can be lost. Enrichment involves fortifying the processed product by restoring these essential nutrients, ensuring that the final product retains its nutritional value and benefits for consumers.

This practice helps to mitigate the impact of nutrient loss and contributes to overall public health by promoting the intake of necessary vitamins and minerals, which may otherwise be undersupplied in a diet relying on processed foods.